Bidet seats

ABSTRACT

A bidet seat is disclosed that includes a body that forms a sitting pedestal; a cavity formed within the body; a seat cover that surrounds the cavity and is adapted to receive a sitting person; and a water storage tank located outside of the body. The water storage tank is fluidly coupled to a water inlet and a water outlet, with the water inlet being fluidly coupled to an external water line and the water outlet being fluidly coupled to a cleaning nozzle housed within the cavity or a shower rose located outside of the cavity. The water storage tank is configured to allow water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source. The water may then be transferred to the cleaning nozzle or shower rose, with the increased temperature of the water enhancing user comfort.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to bidet seats. More specifically, the field of the present invention relates to bidet seats and methods and devices that are used to control the temperature of the water that is dispensed by such bidet seats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bidet seats are commonly used to cleanse oneself in a bathroom environment (as an alternative to bathroom tissue). This is particularly true among certain cultures and within certain countries. Bidet seats operate to dispense a controlled amount of water onto a person's anus to cleanse the area. This water is often dispensed at cold temperatures, i.e., the temperatures that are common for tap water. These cold temperatures can be discomforting to a person, particularly during the winter months when the average water temperature may drop considerably.

There have been bidet seats developed over the years that purport to solve this problem by incorporating heating elements into the bidet seats. The heating elements—which are powered through an external electricity source—will operate to elevate the temperature of the water prior to being dispensed on a person. While such methods and devices have solved this problem to some extent, there are significant drawbacks and problems associated with such methods and devices. For example, incorporating such heating elements into a bidet seat requires that an external electrical source be coupled to the bidet seat, which can restrict the location of a bidet seat. In addition, incorporating such heating elements into a bidet seat significantly increases the cost of a bidet seat, including both the cost to manufacture the bidet seat and the energy costs associated with its continuous operation. Still further, incorporating such heating elements into a bidet seat increases the overall electromechanical complexity of the bidet seat, which can lead to a greater incidence of breakdown and repair costs.

In view of the foregoing, there is a continuing demand in the marketplace for improved devices and methods for improving the temperature of the water that is dispensed by a bidet seat—and for improving the temperature and comfort of the bidet seat itself. As the following will demonstrate, the present invention addresses these (and other) demands in the marketplace.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain aspects of the invention, a bidet seat is provided that includes a body that forms a sitting pedestal; a cavity formed within the body; a seat cover that surrounds the cavity and is adapted to receive a sitting person; and a water storage tank located outside of the body. The invention provides that the water storage tank is fluidly coupled to a water inlet and a water outlet, with the water inlet being fluidly coupled to an external water line (source) and the water outlet being fluidly coupled to a cleaning nozzle housed within the cavity (or a manually-operated shower rose located outside of the cavity). The invention provides that the water storage tank is configured to allow water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source. That is, within the water storage tank, the water will be allowed to increase in temperature over time (relative to the colder temperatures of tap water), and eventually achieve the same or similar temperature as the surrounding environment. Accordingly, the invention provides that the water may then be transferred from the water storage tank and to the cleaning nozzle (or shower rose), with the increased temperature of the water enhancing user comfort.

As explained further below, the water inlet is preferably coupled to a bottom half of the water storage tank, whereas the water outlet is preferably coupled to a top half of the water storage tank. More preferably, however, the water inlet will be fluidly coupled to a bottom quartile of the water storage tank, with the water outlet being fluidly coupled to a top quartile of the water storage tank (or, alternatively, to the top surface of the water storage tank). As explained herein, such configuration ensures that the warmest water within the storage tank is dispensed and used during operation, which also maximizes user comfort. The invention provides that the water inlet includes an in-line water inlet switch and a pressure regulator, and the water outlet includes an in-line water outlet switch, which collectively operate to control when, and the pressure at which, water is dispensed from the cleaning nozzle (or shower rose).

According to further aspects of the invention, the bidet seat may further comprise a condensation pan that surrounds a bottom perimeter of the water storage tank. The condensation pan will include a lip that is configured to collect condensation that forms on an exterior surface of the water storage tank. The invention provides that the water storage tank may exhibit a cylindrical configuration or a rectangular configuration. Still further, the invention provides that the water storage tank may house a series of heat exchanging tubes or plates, which are configured to hold and allow the water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without the aid of an electrical energy source. In such embodiments, the heat exchanging tubes or plates increase the surface area with which the water makes contact, which facilities an exchange of heat with the surrounding environment.

According to yet further aspects of the invention, the warmed water contained in the water storage tank may not only be dispensed through the cleaning nozzle, the water may also be funneled through an interior portion of a bidet seat cover (which surrounds the cavity of the bidet seat). More specifically, according to such aspects of the invention, the water outlet may also be fluidly coupled to an interior area of the bidet seat cover, such that the interior area of the bidet seat cover may receive the warmed water as well, which operates to warm the bidet seat cover to further enhance user comfort.

The above-mentioned and additional features of the present invention are further illustrated in the Detailed Description contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a bidet seat of the present invention, which includes a cylindrical water storage tank.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion “A” of FIG. 1 showing the cleaning nozzle thereof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a bidet seat of the present invention, which includes a rectangular water storage tank.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a bidet seat of the present invention, which includes a water storage tank that employs the use of a series of heat exchanging tubes.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a bidet seat of the present invention, which includes a water storage tank that employs the use of a series of heat exchanging plates.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of an alternative water storage tank that may be used with the bidet seats of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional diagram of the water storage tank shown in FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following will describe, in detail, several preferred embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are provided by way of explanation only, and thus, should not unduly restrict the scope of the invention. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that the invention teaches many variations and modifications, and that numerous variations of the invention may be employed, used and made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The present invention provides a bidet seat that is fluidly coupled to an external water storage tank. The water storage tank will house a volume of water that may be transferred to a cleaning nozzle located within the bidet seat, such that the dispensed water may be used to cleanse oneself. The invention provides that the water storage tank will operate as a heat sink or a heat exchanger, such that water contained therein will be allowed to sit and warm to room temperatures—prior to being used and dispensed through the cleaning nozzle. This results in a warmer stream of water (relative to the colder temperatures observed from tap water), which creates a more comfortable experience for the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the bidet seats of the present invention generally comprise the following parts: a body 10 that forms a sitting pedestal, a cavity 12 formed within the body 10, a cleaning nozzle 14 housed within the cavity 12, a water storage tank 16 located outside of the body 10, a fixed frame 18 that encapsulates the water storage tank 16, a water inlet 20, a water inlet switch 22, a pressure regulator 24, a water outlet 26, a water outlet switch 28, (in some embodiments) a shower rose 30, (in some embodiments) heat exchanging tubes 32, (in some embodiments) heat exchanging plates 34, and a condensation pan 36.

Referring now to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bidet seats of the present invention may include a cylindrically-shaped water storage tank 16, which is fluidly coupled to the cleaning nozzle 14 housed within the cavity 12 of the body 10. In other embodiments, however, the water storage tank 16 may be exhibit a rectangular dimension, such as with the water storage tank 16 shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the water storage tank 16 will include an interior volume that will hold a volume of water that is sufficient for at least one round of cleaning, although the interior volume may be configured to hold a volume of water that is sufficient to deliver multiple rounds of cleaning.

The invention provides that the water storage tank 16 includes a water inlet 20 that is adapted to receive and be fluidly coupled to an external water line, and a water outlet 26 that fluidly connects the water storage tank 16 to the cleaning nozzle 14. In certain alternative embodiments, the invention provides that the water outlet 26 fluidly connects to a movable and manually adjustable shower rose 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which may be used to manually cleanse oneself (instead of using water that is dispensed from a cleaning nozzle 14 within the cavity 12 of the body 10). In such embodiments that employ the use of a shower rose 30, the invention described herein may be used in connection with an existing bidet seat or toilet seat (which may not have an aperture through which to dispose a cleaning nozzle 14).

In certain preferred embodiments, the invention provides that the water inlet 20 is fluidly connected with and enters the water storage tank 16 within the lower half of the water storage tank 16, and preferably near the bottom of the water storage tank 16 (such as within the bottom quartile, when measured based on internal volume, of the water storage tank 16). The invention provides that the water inlet 20 is equipped with a water inlet switch 22 and a pressure regulator 24, which are configured and used to control the volume of water that is allowed to pass through the water inlet 20 and into the water storage tank 16. More specifically, the invention provides that after water exits the water storage tank 16 through the water outlet 26, when the water inlet switch 22 exists in an “open” position, it will permit the flow of water into the water storage tank 16 to back-fill the water that has exited the water storage tank 16. The pressure regulator 24 will be configured to terminate the flow of water once the water storage tank 16 has reached its full capacity. In addition, the invention provides that the pressure regulator 24 may be adjusted to control the pressure at which water enters and exits the water storage tank 16, which further controls the pressure at which water is dispensed from the cleaning nozzle 14 or shower rose 30.

The invention provides that the water outlet 26 will preferably be installed within the upper half of the water storage tank 16, and preferably near the top of the water storage tank 16 (such as within the top quartile, when measured based on internal volume, of the water storage tank 16). Alternatively, the invention provides that the water outlet 26 may positioned and fluidly coupled to the top surface of the water storage tank 16.

The invention provides that the water inlet 20 is installed within the lower part of the external water storage tank 16, while the water outlet 26 is installed within the upper part of the water storage tank 16, so as to maximize the use of the warmest water contained therein. That is, water that exhibits higher temperatures will have lower densities than water that exhibits relatively lower temperatures. When new water enters the water storage tank 16, it will initially exhibit the colder temperatures of municipal tap water. Installing the water inlet 20 into the lower part of the water storage tank 16 keeps the water exhibiting relatively colder temperatures near the bottom, such that the water that has achieved warmer room temperatures (and exhibits lower densities) will move towards the top of the water storage tank 16. As such, when the water outlet 26 is located within the upper part of the water storage tank 16, such configuration ensures that the water with the relatively higher temperature is used and dispensed first, and thus maximizes the user's comfort.

The invention provides that the water outlet 26 will be fluidly connected with the cleaning nozzle 14, such that water that exits the water storage tank 16 will travel through the water outlet 26 and exit the cleaning nozzle 14. More particularly, the invention provides that a water outlet switch 28 will be positioned in-line with the water outlet 26 and configured to allow a user to control the emission and volume of water that is allowed to leave the water storage tank 16 and exit through the cleaning nozzle 14. For example, when a user wishes to dispense water from the cleaning nozzle 14 (or shower rose 30), the water outlet switch 28 may be converted to an open position to allow the passage of such water. When the user wishes to end the flow of water from the cleaning nozzle 14 (or shower rose 30), the water outlet switch 28 may be converted to a closed position to prevent the passage of water.

In addition, the invention provides that a bottom portion of the water storage tank 16 will preferably include a condensation pan 36 that is configured to collect condensation that may form on the exterior surface of the water storage tank 16. The condensation pan 36 will preferably comprise a lip that extends beyond the bottom perimeter of the water storage tank 16, which is adapted to receive and hold condensation that forms on the exterior walls of the water storage tank 16 and drops or falls downwards into the condensation pan 36 (where the collected water may be manually emptied or allowed to evaporate). The invention provides that the condensation pan 36 will prevent the surrounding floor from becoming wet, which enhances the safety of the bidet seat insofar as it prevents users from slipping and falling on a wet bathroom floor.

In addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the invention further encompasses additional types of water storage tanks 16. For example, referring now to FIG. 4, the water storage tank 16 may comprise an exterior fixed frame 18 that encapsulates the water storage tank 16, which includes a series of winding and connected heat exchanging tubes 32 that hold the water contained within the water storage tank 16. The invention provides that the heat exchanging tubes 32 will increase the amount of surface area with which the water contained therein makes contact, which facilitates a more efficient transfer of heat into the water, i.e., it will enable the water to more quickly achieve room temperature. The invention provides that the water inlet 20 will be fluidly coupled to a first end of the heat exchanging tubes 32 (i.e., the point at which the water enters the water storage tank 16), whereas the water outlet 26 will be fluidly coupled to a second end of the heat exchanging tubes 32 (i.e., the point at which the water exits the water storage tank 16).

By way of yet another example, and referring now to FIG. 5, the water storage tank 16 may comprise an exterior fixed frame 18 that encapsulates the water storage tank 16 (as described above), which includes a series of heat exchanging plates 34. Similar to the embodiment above, the heat exchanging plates 34 may be hollow and adapted to receive and transfer water from the water inlet 20, through the heat exchanging plates 34, and out the water outlet 26 of the water storage tank 16. As with the embodiment above, the invention provides that the heat exchanging plates 34 will be fluidly coupled to the water inlet 20 and water outlet 26—and will increase the amount of surface area with which the water contained therein makes contact, which facilitates a more efficient transfer of heat into the water. In other embodiments, the water contained within the water storage tank 16 will reside outside of (and in between) the series of heat exchanging plates 34. In this embodiment, the heat exchanging plates 34 will be comprised of a material that will serve as a conduit and will transfer heat from an area that is exterior to the water storage tank 16 and into the interior portion of the water storage tank 16.

According to yet further preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention, the water storage tank 16 may also be configured to be located behind the bidet (or toilet) and positioned on the floor (or, alternatively, affixed to a wall). For example, referring now to FIG. 6, the water storage tank 16 may exhibit a variety of sizes and configurations, such as a substantially rectangular, round, oblong, or multifaceted configuration. In certain embodiments, the water storage tank 16 will exhibit a depth that is suitable to be positioned behind a bidet (or toilet)—and potentially between the bidet (or toilet) and a wall (or, as mentioned above, anchored to the wall). The water storage tank 16 of such embodiments will comprise a water inlet 20, water outlet 26, and the other features described herein.

In addition, according to such embodiments, the water storage tank 16 of FIG. 6 will comprise one or more baffles 42/44. More specifically, for example, the water storage tank 16 may include one or more baffles 42 that are integrally connected with a top inside surface of the water storage tank 16 and/or one or more baffles 44 that are integrally connected with a bottom inside surface of the water storage tank 16. The baffles 42/44 will stop short of the opposite interior side of the water storage tank 16, so as to leave a gap or space for water to pass around the baffle 42/44. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the baffles 42/44 will preferably be oriented to force injected water to move up-and-down (zigzag) within the water storage tank 16, in order to move from the water inlet 20 to the water outlet 26. This is achieved by alternating between baffles 42 that are integrally connected with a top inside surface of the water storage tank 16 and baffles 44 that are integrally connected with a bottom inside surface of the water storage tank 16. The invention provides that the baffles 42/44 will serve to physically separate new water that enters the water storage tank 16 through the water inlet 20 (which will be colder in temperature), from the water that has already been warmed to room temperature that will be pushed through the water storage tank 16 towards the water outlet 26. In other words, the baffles 42/44 will serve to minimize the unwanted mixing of new cold water with the water that has achieved warmer temperatures (near the water outlet 26). Still further, the invention provides that the baffles 42/44 will serve to provide additional support to the water storage tank 16 (and to counteract pressures that are imparted when new water is injected into the water storage tank 16). The invention provides that the baffles 42/44 may be formed through injection molding, die casting, or metal/welding procedures.

With respect to installation of the devices described herein, the invention provides that the external water storage tank 16 should be positioned in close proximity to the body 10 of the bidet seat. Next, the water inlet 20 and water outlet 26 are fluidly coupled to the water storage tank 16 (e.g., through a threaded connection), with the water inlet switch 22 and water outlet switch 28 being located in-line with the water inlet 20 and water outlet 26, respectively. The other end of the water outlet 26—i.e., the end that is opposite of the end that is fluidly connected to the water storage tank 16—may then be coupled to the cleaning nozzle 14 and disposed through an aperture in the cavity 12 of the body 10. Alternatively, such other end of the water outlet 26 may be fluidly coupled to the adjustable shower rose 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The other end of the water inlet 20—i.e., the end that is opposite of the end that is fluidly connected to the water storage tank 16—may then be coupled to an external water line (e.g., the municipal water line).

Referring now to FIG. 4, in certain alternative embodiments, the invention provides that the warmed water contained in the water storage tank 16 may not only be dispensed through the cleaning nozzle 14, the water may also be diverted and funneled through an interior portion of a bidet seat cover 40 (which surrounds the cavity 12 of the body 10). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the water outlet 26 may be fluidly coupled to an interior area of the bidet seat cover 40, such that the interior area of the bidet seat cover 40 may receive the warmed water as well, which operates to warm the bidet seat cover 40 to enhance user comfort. In such embodiments, water may be permitted to travel through the interior area of the bidet seat cover 40 and then exit through a port that is fluidly coupled to a pipe that transfers the water from the interior area of the bidet seat cover 40 to the cleaning nozzle 14. This way, water travels from the water storage tank 16, through the water outlet 26 and through an interior area of the bidet seat cover 40, whereupon the water exits and is eventually dispensed from the cleaning nozzle 14.

The bidet seats, and related devices and methods, of the present invention provide many advantages. For example, the installation and operation of the bidet seat does not require electrical heating or control equipment, which renders its structure simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. Similarly, the heat exchange process that occurs between the water storage tank 16 and the external environment avoids the need for electrical power, thereby reducing the cost to operate the bidet seats of the present invention (and also conserves energy to provide environmental benefits as well). In addition, the invention provides that the water inlet switch 22 and water outlet switch 28 may be easily closed, thus permitting the water storage tank 16 to be periodically disassembled and cleaned, sterilized, or replaced as necessary. Still further, when the shower rose 30 is used, the water storage tank 16 may be used in connection with existing bidet seats, which decreases the costs to utilize the invention and avoids the need to install a new bidet seat pedestal.

The many aspects and benefits of the invention are apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended for the following claims to cover all such aspects and benefits of the invention that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, because numerous modifications and variations will be obvious and readily occur to those skilled in the art, the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bidet seat that comprises: (a) a body that forms a sitting pedestal; (b) a cavity formed within the body; (c) a seat cover that surrounds the cavity and is adapted to receive a sitting person; and (d) a water storage tank located outside of the body, wherein (i) the water storage tank is fluidly coupled to a water inlet and a water outlet, (ii) the water inlet is fluidly coupled to an external water line, (iii) the water outlet is fluidly coupled to a cleaning nozzle housed within the cavity or a shower rose located outside of the cavity, and (iv) the water storage tank is configured to allow water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source.
 2. The bidet seat of claim 1, wherein the water inlet is fluidly coupled to a bottom half of the water storage tank, whereas the water outlet is fluidly coupled to a top half of the water storage tank.
 3. The bidet seat of claim 2, wherein the water inlet is fluidly coupled to a bottom quartile of the water storage tank, whereas the water outlet is fluidly coupled to a top quartile of the water storage tank.
 4. The bidet seat of claim 3, wherein the water inlet comprises an in-line water inlet switch and a pressure regulator.
 5. The bidet seat of claim 4, wherein the water outlet comprises an in-line water outlet switch.
 6. The bidet seat of claim 5, which further comprises a condensation pan that surrounds a bottom perimeter of the water storage tank, wherein the condensation pan comprises a lip that is configured to collect condensation that forms on an exterior surface of the water storage tank.
 7. The bidet seat of claim 6, wherein the water storage tank is cylindrical.
 8. The bidet seat of claim 6, wherein the water storage tank is rectangular.
 9. The bidet seat of claim 6, wherein the water storage tank houses a series of heat exchanging tubes or heat exchanging plates which are configured to hold and allow the water to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source.
 10. A bidet seat that comprises: (a) a body that forms a sitting pedestal; (b) a cavity formed within the body; (c) a seat cover that surrounds the cavity and is adapted to receive a sitting person; and (d) a water storage tank located outside of the body, wherein (i) the water storage tank is fluidly coupled to a water inlet and a water outlet, (ii) the water inlet is fluidly coupled to an external water line, (iii) the water outlet is fluidly coupled to an interior area of the seat cover and a cleaning nozzle housed within the cavity, and (iv) the water storage tank is configured to allow water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source.
 11. The bidet seat of claim 10, wherein the water inlet is fluidly coupled to a bottom half of the water storage tank, whereas the water outlet is fluidly coupled to a top half of the water storage tank.
 12. The bidet seat of claim 11, wherein the water inlet is fluidly coupled to a bottom quartile of the water storage tank, whereas the water outlet is fluidly coupled to a top quartile of the water storage tank.
 13. The bidet seat of claim 12, wherein the water inlet comprises an in-line water inlet switch and a pressure regulator.
 14. The bidet seat of claim 13, wherein the water outlet comprises an in-line water outlet switch.
 15. The bidet seat of claim 14, which further comprises a condensation pan that surrounds a bottom perimeter of the water storage tank, wherein the condensation pan comprises a lip that is configured to collect condensation that forms on an exterior surface of the water storage tank.
 16. The bidet seat of claim 15, wherein the water storage tank is cylindrical.
 17. The bidet seat of claim 15, wherein the water storage tank is rectangular.
 18. The bidet seat of claim 15, wherein the water storage tank houses a series of heat exchanging tubes or heat exchanging plates which are configured to hold and allow the water to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source.
 19. A water storage tank for use in connection with a toilet or bidet seat that comprises: (a) a tank that is configured to hold water that includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a water inlet that is configured to be fluidly coupled to an external water line; (c) a water outlet that is configured to be fluidly coupled to a cleaning nozzle or a shower rose; (d) at least one baffle that is integrally connected with a top inside surface of the water storage tank that stops short of a bottom inside surface of the water storage tank; and (e) at least one baffle that is integrally connected with the bottom inside surface of the water storage tank that stops short of the top inside surface of the water storage tank, wherein the water storage tank is configured to allow water contained therein to increase in temperature to room temperature, without using an electrical energy source. 